Now, the Pacers must make a decision: try to trade him for some assets or let him walk with nothing in return. The former is difficult. No team, including the Lakers, will give up much for George knowing he is intent on joining the Lakers. The best-case scenario for Indiana is getting something from the Lakers, who want to make sure they get George instead of waiting for free agency.

But that doesn't make a ton of sense for the Lakers. If George does want to go back to Cali, Magic Johnson can just sit back and wait to sign him. And what NBA team wants to trade a ton of assets for a star player who's likely going to bolt after a year?

There's an easy answer, and there are reports that they're chatting with the Pacers' front office: The Cleveland Cavaliers.

If the Cavs stick with the roster they have, they know they'll fall short to the Golden State Warriors again … and there's always the possibility the Boston Celtics upgrade their roster too before next season. Acquiring George would be the perfect move - he'd improve the Cavs' defense and would give them an even bigger name than Kevin Love (more on him in a second) on the roster.

The Pacers get the best possible value they can find for their departing star, and the Cavs get to fight the Warriors' fire with fire by acquiring George. And maybe, during next season, LeBron James convinces the forward to stick around instead of bolting to L.A., which then potentially keeps James in Cleveland long-term should he be pondering another move after next year.

Even if George doesn't stay, it's the Cavaliers' best shot at a ring in 2017-18. It's the perfect plan, especially when James isn't getting any younger and the Warriors aren't getting any less talented.

Indiana might balk at the idea of trading George for someone under contract through 2019-20, but it's better than the alternative: Losing their superstar for nothing.